When you’re setting your Thanksgiving table this year be sure to add a place setting for your favorite pooch! Many of the holiday items you love can be made safe and healthy for your furry friend. Many families include their pets on special holidays and occasions, for this reason it is important to make sure your wet nosed pal is safe and healthy. Many of the foods cooked for human consumption have added fat, sugar and salt that can upset your friends tummy. Also many snack, candies and chocolates are around the table as well as every dog’s favorite, pumpkin pie! Here are some ideas for including your pooch in this festive American Holiday, and keeping them safe during family and friends visits!

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[li]Make sure your family and friends know that your fur kid is part of the family and will be participating in the festivities. This will be helpful for those without pets or that have allergies to pet dander.[/li]
[li]Make sure any Holiday treats are far up where your pet can not reach them! If you have a particularly talented pet who can reach counters and open doors, store goodies in airtight containers. Stop the great scent to your pet and your pooch will never know its there![/li]
[li]If you decide to give your dogs turkey, make sure its boneless and well cooked, and limited to very small portions.[/li]
[li]Make sure your guest are not “sneaking” food to your pets which can result in upset stomach, diarrhea or costly vet bills.[/li]

[li]Canned pumpkin is generally good for dogs, but pumpkin pie with all the added salt and sugar is not, so when baking limit your friend to one or two spoonfuls depending on size.[/li]
[li]Always remember to throw away anything in an outside trash container. The smell of the turkey, cranberry and stuffing is like a symphony to your pets nose, resulting in a  “trash monster”. Many pets get into trouble by consuming poultry bones which spliter and fracture when consumed causing all kinds of internal problems, and sometimes death.[/li]

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Always remember to keep your pet safe and happy. If too much is going on for you to keep a protective eye on Fido, simply crate your dog. He won’t mind. A happy crated dog is better than a sick dog, especially around the holidays!